Once upon a time, Francis took me to the lush Gallow Green, a quaint rooftop lounge where patrons are transported to a secret garden filled with beautiful company, tantalizing cocktails, and mouthwatering grub.

For “just one of those nights,” I wore a juicy orange floral lace dress by Hollywood actress Eva Mendes from her New York & Company collection. It was paired with ivory lace oxfords, which i transitioned from day to night. I received loads of compliments and I was all smiles.

Photo by Francis RodriguezPhoto by Francis RodriguezSelfie

Sadly, summer is long gone and we’ve been dealing with a Snowpocalypse. While I normally wear my spring/summer attire all year by simply pairing it with a warm cardigan, this dress just won’t do to beat the chill.

Fortunately, I got quite lucky at my recent thrifting adventure.

I found this 1950s ensemble, which features a very similar floral lace pattern, except it’s more black than orange. Not only does it highlight sleeves, but it’s more weather appropriate and pairs perfectly with one of my many cardigans.

For the most part, I believe in wearing all of my outfits throughout the year. Whether it’s adding leggings, boots, a sweater, or a heavy scarf, there’s no need to pack away gorgeous pieces, only to rock them for a few months. However, I will admit that there are certain outfits designed specifically for certain seasons, and layering just won’t do. That’s why I try to find a similar piece that goes with the certain season. Not only will I get to wear something I know I will look and feel good in, but I will have more clothing options for the chill or heat.

The weather should never prevent you from feeling fabulous. And you never know when a friend will invite you to spend the night at a rooftop.

It was bound to happen: New York City would get hit with some major snow.

And after experiencing some 70 degree weather during the Christmas weekend, Mother Nature was showing zero mercy on us.

My morning view.

According to reports, the recent snowstorm we had this weekend, or what we’re lovingly referring to as Snowpocalypse 2016, was the second largest one in New York City history. Central Park was hit with 26.8″ of snow.

What did I do? Stay home, of course.

Wintry, makeup-less selfie.

Despite being born and raised in New York City, I’m very anti-cold weather. I loathe snow and count the minutes until we’re hit with the sweltering summer season again. To prepare for the dreaded weekend, I headed to Trader Joe’s to stock up on food – only to experience pure mayhem. You would think the world was coming to an end and we only had one final chance to savor mandarin orange chicken again.

There goes the neighborhood.

But this weekend, I relaxed in my cozy, warm apartment. I savored my day off making great use of my Netflix account. Of course, I ultimately did step outside to see what the weather was like, wearing just PJs and my father’s old Calvin Klein shirt (which you cannot see here for obvious reasons).

Photo by Jordan Race

Yes, I was wearing my Batman pants and no eyeliner was in sight, but you best believe I wasn’t going to leave the house without a swipe of red lipstick. If I wear absolutely nothing on my face, I brighten it up and keep things fresh with my signature color: Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red ($14).

Photo by Jordan Race

This bold red color is not for the faint of heart. It won’t budge and will stay on your pout for hours on end. As a matter of fact, it won’t even come off unless you slather your lips with coconut or argan oil. However, I believe it’s the brightest red shade on the market and I always carry a tube wherever I go.

Photo by Jordan Race

You just never know when you’re going to need a signature red lip. Like exploring a snowstorm before midnight.

Have you ever have one of those fabulous nights where you don’t remember how anything happened, except how much fun it actually was?

I happen to share a lot of those with one of my wonderful friends, Francis.

Photo by Francis Rodriguez

I couldn’t honestly tell you how we somehow found ourselves at the ultra posh Mondrian SoHo hotel in Manhattan. All I can remember is how we had an evening filled with laugher and just good times.

Luckily, those memories were captured in these photos, which still bring a smile to my face.

Photo by Francis Rodriguez

For this swanky affair, I wore a thrifted navy Diane Von Furstenberg body-hugging cocktail wrap dress, which I adore. Not only is it super comfortable, but it hugs my curves in all the right spots.

Photo with a Coca Cola bottle. Photo by Francis Rodriguez

Unfortunately, this dress seems to no longer be offered by the couture designer, but Diane invented the wrap dress, so you can rest assure she has plenty of options! These are the ones I’m loving lately:

I’ll agree that DVF dresses tend to be on the pricey side, but this woman has been perfecting her art for 40 years now. Therefore, this is one investment you will treasure for years to come. You can also try thrifting and hopefully get lucky like I did. I believe this dress, in mint condition, was less than $30.

Photo by Francis Rodriguez

I don’t remember all the details of this evening, but I can tell you it’s one that I enjoy remembering.

Therefore? Dress for your life. Make it a gorgeous, fun spectacle. Be the star of your own show. Even if you have nothing planned, add one thing to your ensemble that makes you feel absolutely fabulous. Whether it’s a dress that enhances your figure, your favorite pearls, a swipe of fiery hot red lipstick, or those shimmering sneakers, rock it for the occasion that is your everyday existence. You never know what you’ll encounter for the day (or night), as well as the unforgettable memories you’ll create.

I’ve been thinking about David Bowie a lot lately. Actually, I’ve been in mourning, but I don’t like to think of him as gone forever. In my mind, he’s back in his planet.

As I mentioned in my last post, The Thin White Duke has had a profound effect on me. I still can’t believe he left us. His music has been on heavy rotation and I’ve been feeling quite sad.

Rightfully so, I want to celebrate his life. And in the city he has called home for quite some time now, there are many tribute parties. There’s even a Carnegie Hall Tribute Concert happening, although honestly it’s a bit stuffy for my taste. I would much rather just hit the floor, put on my red shoes, and dance the blues.

Of course, there are many other events happening here lately, even a sing-along in Union Square Park. But I personally cannot wait for Bowieball. It’s a huge extravaganza celebrating the life and legacy of David Bowie. Even Debbie Harry of Blondie is a fan. I can only imagine that this year’s festivities is going to be one of epic proportions.

While no official dates have been announced yet, I’m already fantasizing about what I would wear. I received this beautiful gift from Jordan, which came from one of my favorite Etsy vendors, The Braided Bandit. It’s a 1980s floral rainbow dress.

Photo by Jordan Race

I thought how great this could look with a galaxy-inspired headdress, but it also reminded me of Frida Kahlo. And then of course, I started singing melodies from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

In other words, I can wear it for many reasons. Best of all, it’s a perfect fit – no tailoring required!

Whether for Bowieball or not, how do you think I should rock this dress?

This morning I woke up to savor my usual coffee, only to be surprised by the sound of my own gasping. It was true: David Bowie, a man who had a profound effect on me as a child, had died. I felt a heavy weight of sadness over my head all day. It was as if a loved one had passed away. And he was. This man was someone who made me dance, encouraged me to embrace my weirdness, pushed me to strut my stuff like a dandy, and inspired me to dress up in any form of my choosing. I lapped up every single lyric like gospel. What does this mean now, to live in a world where David Bowie no longer walks the same streets as I do? To know that such creativity no longer exists? I don’t know. But I know for certain that I will continue to listen. I will continue to celebrate this man. And for that, I can rest with some ease tonight knowing that in some ways, he will exist forever. Rest in power.

New Year’s Eve is probably one of the most stressful nights of the year.

All that anticipating of finding the perfect outfit to welcome a new year is no easy task. Suddenly, everything in my closet transforms into rags and staying in bed sounds like a better idea.

On New Year’s Eve, I made a last-minute attempt to find the perfect dress by visiting my local thrift store. I was fortunate enough to find this brand-new, floor-length gorgeous golden gown. Best of all? It was only $16.

This dress instantly reminded me of Marilyn Monroe, of course. Who could possibly forget that other iconic dress she wore for “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” in 1953?

According to old Hollywood style expert Kimberly Truhler, that famous “sunburst” dress was originally designed by William Travilla for fellow blonde bombshell Betty Grable, who wore it in 1952’s “Dreamboat.” When Monroe saw it, she allegedly loved it so much that she insisted on wearing the piece and it ultimately became hers. The fit looks so spectacular on the star because she was apparently sewn into the dress.

While I wasn’t sewn into this piece, I might as well have. It was about two sizes too small, but who cares? I felt fabulous.

Photo by Jordan Race

As for New Year’s Eve? Would you believe I didn’t go out after all? Well, now I have a brand new gown to debut any day of the year. And I can assure you, this is no rag.